If you have limited space, why not consider roof decks and container gardens as an opportunity to create a green sanctuary in a small area? Many new city homes take up most of the lot, leaving little room for a garden, but that's no reason not to enjoy flowers, trees, and even water features.
If you have a small area between your house and the garage, built-in raised beds and containers full of flowers can transform it from a barren area to a refuge. I worked for a family who had a table and chairs and a grill in the paved space between their house and garage. The builder had included a raised bed on the edge of their property, but there was no other opportunity to garden in the back. The area felt pretty cold, so I suggested that in addition to filling the bed with annuals, we add some large pots and put more flowers in those. They were about to host a fundraiser last April, so we put in spring bulbs along with annuals like African Daisies (Osteospermum) and pansies. In one large pot I planted a juniper, which screens the utilities behind it and adds some structure. We added seven large containers to the area, and every season I change out the plants so it's always colorful and fresh. When the family has a meal outside, they feel sheltered from the neighbors and cheered by the color
In another project, the condo owners had the rights to the garage roof. We built a gorgeous deck for them, with built-in seating, counter space, storage space, and large planters. We added lattice up two sides of the deck and topped it with a pergola to add shade and enclosure. In the planters I put some evergreens, including globe blue spruce, dwarf Serbian spruce, and some boxwoods. We planted two climbing hydrangeas up the lattice, and put in some honeysuckle vines as well. In one of the full sun planters we used prairie grasses and Butterfly Bush (Panicum virgatum and Buddleia davidii) to add height and screen the alley. Where beforehand they had an exposed, hot, dry space, now they have an oasis where they entertain and relax.
Another option is simply to plant lots of containers on the deck that extends from the back of your house or apartment. Personally, I live across the alley from the ugliest garage in Chicago (see picture). To make things worse, all summer there's been construction across the alley as well. If I want to enjoy my deck, I pretty much have to screen and muffle, and the containers do that for me. I put pots up on stands, and I've got several pots that are waist high. I plant shrubs along with annuals, especially annuals with large leaves. Cannas and Elephant Ears are my favorites.
Visit my website at www.rindawestdesigns.com for more images of container and deck gardens including the ones I describe here.
